Damage Claim Guide · VRBO

How to file a VRBO damage claim for Missing Items

If a guest caused missing items at your VRBO rental, you have a limited window to document the damage and submit a claim. This guide walks you through every step.

14-day filing window

Evidence checklist

Wide shot

Full-room photo taken after checkout showing the location where the item should be — establishes the absence in context.

Close-up

Pre-stay photo of the item in place (from your baseline walkthrough or listing photos). The contrast between "present before" and "absent after" is your primary evidence.

Receipt

Original purchase receipt or proof of ownership for the missing item. Establishes replacement cost and proves the item existed before the stay.

Repair QuoteOptional

Replacement cost quote from a retailer or vendor if the original receipt is unavailable. Use current retail pricing for an equivalent item.

OtherOptional

Police report filed for stolen high-value items (electronics, jewelry, art). Required by most platforms when asserting theft rather than accidental removal. File within 24–48 hours of discovery.

VRBO filing steps

  1. File through the VRBO damage protection process within 14 days of checkout.
  2. Document each missing item with a pre-stay inventory photo and the item's current replacement value from a retailer.
  3. For high-value missing items, file a police report and attach it to the VRBO claim — the report number alone is insufficient; attach the full report.
  4. If the guest purchased a damage waiver, missing items may route through the program insurer — submit all evidence regardless.

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